10 iconic looks from Michelle Obama's days as first lady

Michelle Obama has been called the most fashionable first lady of the United States, an honor that links her to women like Jackie Kennedy. But it's not simply a love of clothing that binds them -- it's the understanding of the importance of presentation and visual communication. Kennedy strove to solidify the legacy she believed her husband deserved, refurbishing the White House and organizing his memorial. Obama, too, will be leaving the White House with a legacy defined by courage and optimism, and the fashion that she effortlessly used to showcase American talent and diplomacy.

Here are 10 looks that define her extraordinary style in the White House.

Inaugural Balls 2009

More than any other article of clothing, Obama’s white silk chiffon inaugural gown will come to symbolize her years in the East Wing. It catapulted designer Jason Wu, then 26 and relatively unknown outside of the fashion industry, to the national stage, a vote of confidence and publicity that she would give many young designers over her tenure. He created the gown to symbolize hope -- the message the Obamas campaigned on in 2008. The stark white gave Obama an ethereal presence, conveying to the country the excitement of new beginnings.

Tonight Show with Jay Leno 2012

Equally iconic may be Obama’s day wear -- a mix of classic pieces, statement accessories and no pantyhose. She seamlessly blended designer garments and high street wear, like this combination of a Michael Kors sweater and J. Crew pencil skirt. It’s a tactic many modern women employ, but hadn’t seen embraced by such a high-profile figure.

White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner 2009

The classic sheath dress became Obama's signature over the last eight years. Initially, her bare arms shocked some, but she quickly built a cult following of women who wanted to copy the look of her toned biceps in sleeveless, fitted dresses, like this one from Michael Kors. And her habit of choosing those from Kors, and other top American designers like Carolina Herrera, drove home her support of the fashion industry.

Buckingham Palace 2011

Obama’s resplendent white Tom Ford gown was a success for different reasons than her similarly-colored inaugural gown. With full-length opera gloves and chandelier earrings, it was one of the most formal looks of her tenure, putting the Obamas on stage as American royalty, while still showing a respectful deference to Queen Elizabeth.

South Korean State Dinner 2011

Another diplomatic highlight was Obama’s choice of a purple Doo-Ri Chung gown for the dinner honoring the South Korean president and first lady. Chung was born in South Korea and immigrated with her family to the United States as a child -- a personal story that further exemplified the close relationship between the countries, and a pattern of diplomacy Michelle would continue through to the end of her husband's term.

Democratic National Convention 2012

This dress was peak Obama style -- a nod to African-American designers, patriotic without being over-the-top, completely modern. The dusty rose and grey colors read as red and blue, but updated. The look, custom designed by Tracy Reese and paired with a bold blue-grey manicure, and took fashion-watchers by storm.

Inauguration Day 2013

Another sartorial skill Obama demonstrated while first lady was the ability to wear items that could be seen as pushing traditional boundaries.  For the president’s second inauguration, she chose a coat by Thom Browne, a boundary-pushing, avant-garde designer that was not a natural pairing for  a first lady. And thigh-high boots, which after Julia Roberts wore a pair in Pretty Woman, have had a risque connotation. But the pairing worked, especially with a bright pop of color in her gloves.

State of the Union 2016

Obama wore her optimism on her sleeveless-sheath for her last State of the Union as first lady. In a stunning marigold dress by Cuban-American designer Narciso Rodriguez, she subtly referenced the thawing relations with Cuba, and the tone of the administration, hoping to finish strong in its last year.

Democratic National Convention 2016

This simple dress in a bold blue by Christian Siriano became an emblem for the role Michelle Obama played in the presidential campaign cycle. It was Hillary Clinton's turn to run and to wear white, in the form of a Ralph Lauren pant suit. Obama was there as support, but still a bold voice for the country.

Italian State Dinner 2016

This sparkling, rose gold column gown was a fitting capstone to the last eight years. She chose an Italian designer, Donatella Versace, in honor of their guests. But it was the ethos of the brand, more than the nationality, that made it such an interesting choice. Versace has long said she designs for powerful women, an appropriate message for Obama to leave with the country.